Just My Personal Opinion

Well the discussion has been great and I am loving it. Just few days back I heard about a local film festival KARA FIL Fest (Pakistan) that’s some of their awards are not honestly given because they have to attract internationals film community. Ok I can agree at this level because the terrorism etc scene going on here needs tactics like that. But it is hard to believe that a fest at any place like US or any other will have these type of tactics. I also believe that the first thing for the FEST MANAGEMENT is money and after all it is the truth of life that you need money for your bread and butter first. With empty stomach you cant think of Arts and Craft (sorry if some one is hurt) and may be the Fest MAMNAG didn’t had believe in your movie. I personally will love to go to a FILM FEST but when it comes to my own film I will personally rely on self distribution rather then looking at some one else to sell my movie. The only advantage I think an indie filmmaker can get from FILM FEST is that he can make contacts and if the movies is good he can create a buzz of his name(in the list of potential filmmaker), and if…if ucky he might get a deal but it looks too hard these days. .

Every Festival is Different

The festival circuit is a tough game. Every festival is different and every year of operation is different. As someone who has been involved with both filmmaking and festivals, I have been seen both ends of this. I was involved with multiple movies that couldn't get into a festival to save a life, and I was involved in another movie that years later, still gets invited to festivals because it fills seats, but the latter movie never even officially entered any of the festivals it screened at -- it was being invited while still in production, because of the genre.

As a part of festival, one of the most difficult decisions the screening and programming committee is confronted with is the final selection. Every year, there just isn't enough time to show every movie a festival would like to show.

In one way or another I have been a part of festivals that screen for the pure love of the art form and do not conform to what will simply fill seats, and I have seen the other side as well as a filmmaker. It's been interesting to say the least.

We should all keep in mind that not only are we supporting one another by going to festivals (of all types), but we are learning more about film making than when we watch a big-budget film.

We were talking last night about this...and I agree...you can't really learn how to make good films by watching hugely budgeted films...sure, you get the basic concepts, and some cool ideas...but it's when you watch a low to no-budget film, that's when you learn how to do what you do on a limited budget. Money is replaced with creativity on indie productions. Want to learn how to do a certain shot with certain restrictions...watch an indie film, not a blockbuster.

There is so much to learn from independent films...films that have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Films that aren't controlled by investors or producers (for the most part)...films that take chances. Films that have massive budgetary restrictions...you can learn so much from them.

It's almost like a wine class...learning the traits of a good wine. When at first you learn, they put three liquids out in front of you...they put sugar water, lemon juice, and overly steeped tea...when you try each one, you get an exaggerated taste of what qualities wine holds, as well as the glaring flavors that produce bad wines--tannins, acids...ect.

My odd point being, that while watching independent films, we sometimes get an exaggerated example of what TO DO and what NOT TO DO. Sometimes we get subtle flavors, and sometimes we get puckering responses, or mouth watering complexity.

I really try to see festivals in my area. A good thing about New England, is many of the 'name' indie production companies know each other...and for the most part we support one another when screenings take place, or premieres are held. Sometimes it's cliquee...but overall it's good sympatico (sp?)...

Yes there is a lot of crap...but sometimes you run into some diamonds, and when you do this it gives you not only the opportunity to learn and support...but also to network and potentially share resources...especially at our level, which is always nice.